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Mayoral candidates spar over Keller''s plan to alert public to ICE actions

Mayoral Candidates Clash in Heated Debate Over Incumbent Tim Keller's Record in Albuquerque

In a fiery showdown that highlighted the stark divisions in Albuquerque's political landscape, mayoral candidates traded barbs over incumbent Mayor Tim Keller's handling of key issues like public safety, homelessness, and economic development. The debate, held at a local community center and broadcast live on several platforms, featured Keller defending his administration's progress while challengers accused him of failing to deliver on promises made during his first term. With the election just weeks away, the event underscored the high stakes for New Mexico's largest city, where voters are grappling with rising crime rates, a persistent housing crisis, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keller, a Democrat who has served as mayor since 2017, opened the debate by touting his achievements. He pointed to initiatives like the Albuquerque Community Safety Department, a non-police response team designed to handle mental health crises and low-level calls, which he claimed has reduced the burden on traditional law enforcement. "We've invested in innovative solutions that prioritize compassion over confrontation," Keller said, emphasizing how his administration has allocated millions toward affordable housing projects and job training programs. He also highlighted the city's economic rebound, noting that unemployment has dropped below pre-pandemic levels and that major companies have committed to expansions in the area.

However, his opponents were quick to pounce, painting a picture of a city in decline under Keller's watch. Leading challenger Manny Gonzales, the Bernalillo County Sheriff and a law-and-order conservative, accused Keller of being soft on crime. Gonzales, who has positioned himself as a tough-on-crime candidate, cited statistics showing a spike in violent offenses, including homicides and auto thefts, during Keller's tenure. "Mayor Keller's policies have turned Albuquerque into a haven for criminals," Gonzales declared, referencing the city's decision to reform its police department following a Department of Justice investigation into excessive force. He proposed increasing police funding and implementing stricter sentencing guidelines, arguing that Keller's focus on social services has come at the expense of public safety.

Eddy Aragon, a radio host and Republican candidate known for his outspoken style, echoed Gonzales' criticisms but added a layer of economic critique. Aragon lambasted Keller for what he called "wasteful spending" on projects like the controversial ART bus rapid transit system, which has faced delays and cost overruns. "While families struggle to pay bills, the mayor is pouring money into pet projects that don't benefit everyday Albuquerqueans," Aragon said. He advocated for tax cuts and deregulation to spur business growth, claiming that Keller's progressive policies have stifled entrepreneurship. Aragon also touched on immigration, suggesting that the city's sanctuary-like policies under Keller have exacerbated issues like drug trafficking tied to border security.

The debate grew particularly heated during discussions on homelessness, a visible and contentious issue in Albuquerque. Keller defended his administration's efforts, including the expansion of shelter beds and partnerships with nonprofits to provide wraparound services. He noted that the city has housed over 1,000 individuals through targeted programs and invested in mental health resources. "We're addressing root causes, not just symptoms," Keller asserted, pointing to data showing a slight decrease in unsheltered homelessness in recent surveys.

But Gonzales countered aggressively, calling Keller's approach a "band-aid solution" that ignores enforcement. "We need to clear encampments and enforce anti-camping ordinances to restore order in our parks and streets," he said, drawing applause from some audience members. Gonzales shared anecdotes from his time as sheriff, describing encounters with homeless individuals involved in petty crimes, and promised a more proactive stance if elected. Aragon, meanwhile, blamed federal policies but tied it back to local leadership, accusing Keller of mismanaging funds from state and federal grants intended for housing initiatives.

Environmental concerns also surfaced, with candidates sparring over Keller's green energy push. The mayor highlighted Albuquerque's commitment to renewable sources, including solar projects and electric vehicle infrastructure, as part of a broader climate action plan. "We're building a sustainable future for our children," Keller said, referencing the city's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Critics, however, questioned the feasibility and cost. Aragon dismissed it as "virtue signaling," arguing that such initiatives drive up utility bills for low-income residents without tangible benefits. Gonzales, while supportive of some conservation efforts, emphasized balancing environmental goals with economic realities, particularly in a state reliant on oil and gas.

Throughout the evening, personal attacks flew as candidates sought to differentiate themselves. Keller accused his challengers of offering "empty rhetoric" without concrete plans, while Gonzales labeled Keller a "career politician" out of touch with working-class voters. Aragon, ever the showman, used humor to jab at both, quipping that "Keller's record is like a bad sequel – more promises, less action." Moderators struggled at times to maintain order, as interruptions and cross-talk dominated segments on education and infrastructure.

The debate also delved into the city's response to the pandemic, with Keller praising his administration's vaccination drives and small business grants that helped keep many afloat. He claimed these efforts prevented a deeper economic downturn. Opponents, however, faulted him for prolonged lockdowns and mask mandates, which they said disproportionately harmed minority-owned businesses and exacerbated mental health issues. Gonzales, drawing from his law enforcement background, criticized what he saw as inconsistent enforcement of health orders.

As the night wore on, the candidates addressed broader themes of unity and vision for Albuquerque. Keller envisioned a "vibrant, inclusive city" where innovation drives progress, appealing to younger voters and progressives. Gonzales focused on "safety first," positioning himself as the candidate for families tired of urban decay. Aragon pitched a "back-to-basics" approach, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and community empowerment.

Voter reactions outside the venue were mixed. Supporters of Keller praised his forward-thinking policies, with one attendee saying, "He's invested in people, not just policing." Critics, however, voiced frustration. A Gonzales backer lamented, "Crime is out of control, and we need change now." Pollsters note that the race remains tight, with Keller holding a slight lead in recent surveys, but undecided voters could sway the outcome.

This debate comes at a pivotal moment for Albuquerque, a city of over 560,000 residents facing challenges common to many urban centers in the Southwest. Issues like water scarcity, driven by ongoing drought, were briefly touched upon, with Keller advocating for conservation measures and challengers calling for more aggressive infrastructure investments. The candidates also sparred over education funding, with Keller defending increased allocations to public schools amid teacher shortages, while opponents pushed for school choice options and vocational training.

In the realm of public transportation, the ART project remained a flashpoint. Keller argued it has improved connectivity in underserved areas, reducing traffic congestion. Gonzales and Aragon, however, decried it as a boondoggle, with Aragon proposing to scrap remaining phases in favor of road repairs.

On cultural and social issues, the debate revealed ideological divides. Keller supported initiatives for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, including police reform and community outreach. Gonzales, while affirming equal protection, emphasized traditional values and law enforcement's role in maintaining order. Aragon criticized what he called "woke policies" that divide rather than unite.

As the election nears, campaigns are ramping up with door-to-door canvassing and ad blitzes. Keller's team is focusing on his record of job creation, having attracted tech firms and film productions to the city. Gonzales is leveraging his sheriff experience to appeal to suburban voters concerned about safety. Aragon, with his media savvy, is using social media to mobilize conservative bases.

The sparring over Keller's record reflects deeper tensions in Albuquerque politics, where progressive ideals clash with calls for traditional governance. Whether voters opt for continuity or change will shape the city's trajectory for years to come. As one political analyst observed, "This isn't just about policies; it's about the soul of the city."

In wrapping up, the debate left audiences with clear choices: Keller's vision of compassionate, innovative leadership versus the challengers' promises of stricter enforcement and fiscal prudence. With early voting underway, the outcome remains uncertain, but the intensity of the exchanges suggests a closely contested race that could redefine Albuquerque's future.

Read the Full Albuquerque Journal, N.M. Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/mayoral-candidates-spar-over-kellers-030200244.html ]